Optical Trackers

The optical trackers PST-Pico, PST Base and PST Iris allow you to track any object’s real-time 3D position and orientation (6DoF). They are plug and play, easy to use, compact, portable, and scalable optical trackers. The premium versions of these trackers are named with HD.

From close range to vast area (near field to wide area optical tracking)

The PST optical trackers can be used to track from exptreme near field (5 cm, PST-Pico) to several meters (up to 7 for the PST-Iris). Depending on the choice of lenses, an optimal tracking area is created. Marker size, size of device and type of marker further determines the ability for a PST to detect an object. For example, a single PST is suitable for desktop tracking, surgery, cockpit, single screen, etc.., while multiple optical trackers are used to cover complete training rooms and immersive Virtual Reality Caves.

Our professional 3D workstations C-Station and PSS are a typical use of the near field tracking technology.

Plug and play, scalable optical trackers

As each PST functions as a stand-alone, pre-calibrated unit, there is no need for complicated installation or setup. The optical tracker PST Iris and PST-Base are scalable. When the working area of a single PST is not sufficient, multiple PSTs can easily be combined to create a larger working area, without the need for any additional hardware. See the video.

HD optical trackers - Premium versions

The premium version of our PST Iris and PST Base bar trackers offer an even wider measurement volume, a higher refresh rate and the possibility to connect to a linux system

Real object tracking

One of the unique features to the PST optical trackers is the ability to track almost any rigid object with six degrees of freedom (3D position and rotation) by placing optical markers on it in a random pattern. Our robust optical tracking algorithms can identify and track multiple objects based on its unique marker patterns, even when only as few as four markers of an object are visible. This makes the tracker ideal for interactive applications where users hold tracked objects in their hands.

The system features a training mode, which is used to teach the system learn to recognize new objects. In this mode, you show the object from each angle. The system builds up a model of the marker configuration on-the-fly and immediately shows the progress. Once the system has seen all markers, the training is complete and the object ready to be used for tracking.

Infrared markers

To improve accuracy and reduce sensitivity to different lighting conditions, the PST optical trackers use infrared lighting to detect optical markers.

Retro-reflective markers are used to reflect the light produced by the PST directly back to the cameras. For most objects, flat self-adhesive markers can be used Spherical markers can also be used, often attached to an antenna.

For longer range applications for which the PST cannot produce enough light, active IR LED markers can be used.

Configuration options of the optical trackers

As the PST optical trackers can be used for many applications in different circumstances, we offer the following options:

Frame

30-120 Hz Adjustable inPST-Iris and PST-base

15-200 Hz Adjustable in HD versions

upto 450 Hz Custom Solutions

5cm to 7 m

The combination of base line (distance between cameras) positioning, camera and lenses allow PS-Tech to provide its customers with a line of bar trackers that covers the range from ultra short (5 cm from tracker) up to long range (7 m)

PST optical tracker software

Our PST optical trackers come with extensive client software; PSTracking 4.0, which is used to both manage and read out the optical trackers.

PS-Tech provides an easy-to-use C-SDK with available (C# and Python binding) or the VRPN protocol to make the tracker measurements easy to integrate into your solution.

Model Training

Included in the PSTracking 4.0 software is an advanced model training algorithm which automatically learns the marker pattern of a new object.

The procedure is simple; hold the object in front of the tracker, and rotate it slowly in each direction, making sure every marker is seen.
After saving, the model can be rotated/translated to change the origin of the model. For CMM purposes, an automatic tip calibration procedure is also included.

Motion Tracking

Multiple objects can be tracked simultaneous. Each tracked object is assigned a different name and identifier.

Advanced motion filtering algorithms are available to fine-tune your application.

Third party applications can receive tracking data through PST SDK or using industry standard interfaces including TrackD, VRPN